Worcester, MA (January 20, 2012) - On Monday January 16, 2012 at approximately 12:27 AM, Worcester Police working a foot patrol in the Main South area were informed by a citizen that a male was injured, lying on the ground in front of 700 Main Street. The officers responded to the area and observed a male lying on the sidewalk unconscious. Worcester EMS responded and transported the male, later identified as Joseph Gubish, 48 years old of Worcester, to UMass Medical Center (University Campus). It was unknown at the time if Mr. Gubish received his injuries from an altercation or if he suffered them when he fell as a result of a medical condition. An investigation was undertaken by Worcester Police Detectives and it was determined through video and eye-witness evidence that Gubish had been the victim of an assault.

Gubish was treated at the hospital, but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 shortly after he was removed from life support.

On Thursday, January 19, 2012 Worcester Detectives developed probable cause to arrest Albert Wheaton, 35 years old of 765 Main Street. Information obtained indicated that Mr. Wheaton encountered Mr. Gubish on the sidewalk and at one point violently pushed Gubish to the ground causing his head to strike the ground with considerable force. As a result, Mr. Gubish received extensive head and neck injuries.

Mr. Wheaton was placed under arrest and charged with Manslaughter and Aggravated Assault and Battery. He will be arraigned at the Worcester County District Courthouse on Friday, January 20, 2012. This investigation is ongoing.

There will be no new additional information released at this time.